Automatic data correlation system study. Volume 1 - Program summary Final report, 1 Jul. 1969 - 30 Jun. 1970

Program summary for implementation of automatic data correlation system for Earth Resources Progra

Earth resources data processing center study. Volume 2 - Study findings Final report

Basic objectives and requirements of Earth Resources Progra

Earth resources data processing center study. Volume 1 - Program summary Final report

Research and development programs for earth resources data system

Aeronautical Engineering: A continuing bibliography (supplement 138)

This bibliography lists 366 reports, articles, and other documents introduced into the NASA scientific and technical information system in July 1981

A Psychometric Study of a Trait and State Assessment of Sexual Pleasure - The Amsterdam Sexual Pleasure Inventory.

We studied the Amsterdam Sexual Pleasure Inventory's (1.0) psychometric properties. The ASPI, a revised self-report battery designed to measure domains of state and trait sexual pleasure in diverse gender, sex, and relationship populations, is based on a recently proposed conceptual framework of sexual pleasure. We collected quantitative (n = 1371) and qualitative data (n = 637) using a cross-sectional multi-method design targeting the general (German-speaking) population. After pre-processing, we conducted analyses on a sample of n = 706 participants. The theory-based 5-factor exploratory structural equation model and the principal component analyses of the two general exploratory index-scales showed good and acceptable structural validity evidence respectively. Measurement invariance was confirmed separately for male and female participants and for those with sexually functional-scoring and dysfunctional-scoring levels. Coefficient omega indicated that all scales, except those of one facet, showed acceptable to very good internal consistency. The ASPI's convergent and discriminant associations with sexological and psychological constructs demonstrated good overall construct validity. Participants understood the items as intended and felt that the ASPI covered relevant facets of sexual pleasure. The ASPI might help understand how individuals differ in experiencing sexual pleasure and how different contexts enable some people to experience pleasure while disadvantaging others

Sexual Pleasure Matters: Defining, Operationalizing, and Promoting Sexual Pleasure

The topic of sexual pleasure has recently gained attention and recognition as an essential aspect of sexual health. However, despite an increase in research on the subject, a lack of consensus remains on how to define, measure, and promote sexual pleasure. This dissertation aims to address this gap in research by defining and investigating this complex aspect of human experience and its multifaceted nature. To achieve this goal, three research questions were addressed from a comprehensive and holistic approach. This included a thorough literature review, the development of a clear and precise definition, and a test of the validity of the construct through empirical research using both observational and experimental methods. The first research question examines the conceptualization and definition of sexual pleasure, which is approached by developing an adapted sexual response framework that includes sexual pleasure as a central component and identifies various facets of state and trait sexual pleasure. The second research question focuses on the operationalization and measurement of sexual pleasure. To address this, a self-report questionnaire called the Amsterdam Sexual Pleasure Inventory (ASPI) is developed to measure the various facets of sexual pleasure. The validity of the ASPI was established through an extensive psychometric evaluation, which demonstrated good properties. The third research question addresses the promotion of sexual pleasure through testing an unguided 4-week online intervention for women. The results indicate that the intervention was effective in promoting one specific facet of sexual pleasure. Therefore, the construct used to measure sexual pleasure in the study seems to be sensitive to change, suggesting its potential utility in applied research in this field. The research results are analyzed and discussed in depth, emphasizing potential avenues for future research and offering practical implications for their application. The limitations and strengths of the dissertation are acknowledged, providing a comprehensive understanding of the research’s overall contributions

Quantification of appetite-regulating hormones in children with hypothalamic and common obesity

Background. Current understanding of the appetite-regulating neuroendocrine circuitry remains incomplete, and efficacious treatments for both common and hypothalamic obesity (HyOb) are lacking. Concurrently, the expanded role of oxytocin (OXT) in energy homeostasis and human behaviour is beginning to be understood. Objectives. To optimise and translate an OXT enzyme immunoassay (EIA) to elucidate whether there were any unique differences in the plasma endocrine milieu in patients with HyOb. Methods. Optimisation work was carried out using EIAs with polyclonal and monoclonal secondary antibodies. Obese (BMI>+2 SDS) and lean (BMI≤+2 SDS) children with (HyOb and HyLean) and without (Ob and Lean) hypothalamic disorders (septo-optic dysplasia or suprasellar tumours) were phenotyped using the Dykens’ Hyperphagia Questionnaire Score (DHQS). Plasma concentrations of leptin, insulin, OXT, BDNF, αMSH, acylated ghrelin, AgRP and copeptin were measured. Results. Solid phase extraction demonstrated markedly variable OXT recovery, and potentially increased rather than decreased interference. A polyclonal secondary antibody-containing EIA showed significant cross-reactivity with several peptides in human plasma compared to a monoclonal secondary antibody-containing EIA. Of the 122 children recruited (50 HyOb, 29 HyLean, 24 Ob, 19 Lean, mean age 11.3±3.9 years) there were no differences in DHQS or hormone concentrations between HyOb and Ob groups. Obesity was associated with compensatorily increased leptin and insulin, and decreased ghrelin and AgRP concentrations. More rapidly increasing BMI was independently associated with a younger age and lower plasma αMSH concentrations. OXT concentrations did not show any correlation with BMI or DHQS. Conclusion. The use of plasma extraction processes and EIAs in the literature needs re-examination. The plasma endocrine milieu in HyOb vs. common obesity does not differ, with a compensatory increase in anorexigens and decrease in orexigens. Lower plasma αMSH was associated with more rapid weight gain, suggesting that MC4R agonists may be a therapeutic option in all forms of obesity